Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta (One Skillet)

This Italian sausage and pepper pasta is a flavorful dish of sweet Italian sausage and a blend of peppers that together create a savory sausage pasta made in just one skillet.  

You know those signature dishes we make? That we are known for in our families? This is one of mine. Born out of the need to feed hungry children coming in from the pool, this Italian sausage pasta was perfect. Easy to make and filling. I would make this one-pot meal during the summers when my little sisters would come over to swim.

My daughter would sit amongst the big kids and patiently wait for her bowl of pasta. The table was usually silent as every one of them would sit and enjoy their bowl of pasta. It was a recipe that was requested weekly on swim days in particular and a dish that now brings back memories of not just a time in my life but of a home I will forever cherish. 

The best part is that this is a one-pot pasta that goes a long way. 

Sausage and Pepper Pasta Is…

• Perfect for busy weeknights.
• A recipe for the whole family.
• A delicious dinner that only takes a little bit of time to prepare.
• A sausage pasta recipe with Italian seasonings.
• An easy dinner idea.
• Versatile, can be made with pork sausage or turkey sausage if preferred. 

Ingredients

Sausages- use Mild Italian sausage or for a little kick you can use spicy Italian sausage. I like to use the sausages that come in the link form. Remove the casing with a pairing knife before cooking. Ground sausage will also work. 

Pasta- I have used all sorts of different pastas to make this dish. I find penne works great but you could also use rotini pasta, bow tie pasta, and even spaghetti noodles to make this dish. 

Bell Peppers- I like using a red bell pepper, with orange bell peppers or yellow bell peppers for this. But you can also use green bell peppers if you prefer. 

Tomatoes- Use crushed tomatoes as this will help create a sauce for the pasta. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you like. If doing so, allow the chopped tomatoes to cook down a little before adding the pasta to the skillet.

Seasoning- A good helping of dried Italian seasoning works perfectly for this pasta dish. You can also use fresh herbs if you prefer. Just remember that you will need 3 times the amount of fresh than dried. 

​Garlic- I like using fresh garlic cloves. Use large cloves for this. Mince finely with a knife.

Grated Parmesan Cheese- this is completely optional but I like to garnish and serve this pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese on top. 

Tools

​Large Skillet

Directions

Begin by boiling salted (1/2 tsp salt) water in a large pot to cook the pasta. Cook according to package directions. Strain and set aside. 

Remove the casing from the sausages. Cut the sausage links up into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, begin browning the sausage over medium heat.

Dice the bell peppers and mince the garlic, set aside. Cook the sausage until done and remove the sausage from the pan. Drizzle the hot pan with 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil. 

Add the bell peppers and cook until softened. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic, and 1 tsp. of salt. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir the contents of the pan. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes or so.

Toss the cooked pasta into the sausage mixture. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan (optional)

Cooking Tips

• Don’t add the garlic too soon or it will burn. Make sure to add it when the peppers are softened.
• Salt your pasta water with 1/2 tsp sea salt.
• Cut the sausages into small pieces (bite-sized).

FAQ

Do green bell peppers work for this recipe?

Yes, and I have many times used them in place of the colored. But I do prefer the sweetness of the color bell peppers in combination with the salty sausage.

Can I use jarred minced garlic?

Yes, jarred garlic works fine for this recipe. Use the same rules as using fresh in making sure not to burn the garlic.

Is this pasta good to reheat for leftovers?

I always save our leftovers for the next day. To reheat you can either use a microwave or reheat on the stovetop. How I reheat this pasta is I add a drizzle of olive oil to a cast iron skillet. Heat on low and add the contents to the pan. Stirring it as it heats. If you find the pasta has dried out in the fridge. You can add a tbsp. or two of butter as it heats if needed. Garnish with parmesan and serve.

How To Store

​To store any leftover Italian sausage and pepper pasta, allow the pasta to come to room temperature before adding it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge. Pasta will keep for up to 3 days. 

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no cost to you)

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Cast Iron Skillet Set of 2 (10 in and 12 in)

Wooden Cutting Board

Farmhouse Dish Towels Set of 4

Wooden Measuring Spoons

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